So…what does the organ actually DO? Actually, by itself, not a whole lot. The fact is that the organ usually resides in some painfully obvious location of a church or hall where it can be largely ignored. The tradition of winded sound and evolution of mechanical devices sit stagnant until one of us does something to bring life to the snoozing pipes. If you haven’t already, listen to James Kennerley’s playing of Vierne’s Carillon de Westminster (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fkUPuxnJfyk). Now that does something to me! I suppose I should be reminded that when I sit at this amazing instrument, I am doing something to someone. The list of available verbs can be quite awesome—from assaulting and tiring to inspiring, stimulating, and…I hope…inviting. We’re fortunate to have a wonderful George Jardine instrument at Sacred Heart in Yarmouth. Sure the old folks like the beast, but what about the young folks? Predicated on the idea that one cannot fall in love with something with which one is not acquainted, I’m reminded that the AGO does wonderful work in its educational capacity (https://www.agohq.org/education/). Kids like to touch, to discover, to make noise, to make mistakes, to make messes, to learn! Take a look at the photo of our organ console. What do you see first? Stop knobs? Keys? Quarter-sawn oak? Point made? My hope is that these guys will, upon entering the great churches of the world, look first to the organ loft and know what the organ can do with their involvement! Thoughts for this weekend? —Phil